HFE’s 100th Article! 7 Superpowers I Gained from Making a Content Library

I have a confession to make: I just lied to you.

This isn’t actually my 100^th article—I passed that milestone a few months ago. This is, however, the first time I’ve had 100 public articles on the site. So I thought I’d take this time to both celebrate and reflect.

I never thought I’d make it this far to be honest. In fact, it’s still unreal that I’ve published this much material.

I never wanted to write growing up, English was my least favorite class, and the thought of spending hours alone typing never excited me. But I’m still happily writing today in spite of all that.

Writing has allowed me to reach people all over the world. And many readers have expressed thanks for my impact on their life.

My writing hasn’t only affected my readers though. It’s changed me even more.

The Drew who wrote How to Conquer Depression isn’t the same person writing now. So today, I’ll show you what the differences are.

I’ve included 7 superpowers here that I gained from making a content library. Each one is a trait or skill I would have never developed without sticking to my efforts long-term.

If you’re interested in making a similar investment online—or anywhere else for that matter—check out my new powers. They might inspire you.

SUPERPOWER #1: A Tenacious Work Ethic

Most people don’t leave work to do more work, and most people don’t work on the weekends because…well, you’re not supposed to.

I used to be one of those people, but making a content library has changed my perspective.

I do some form of writing almost every day now. Sure, I schedule rest days in-between to stay fresh, but I’m not concerned with “balance” anymore.

Balance is for people who are fine with the status quo. Balance is for people who don’t want change in the near future.

Neither of those conditions applied to me.

Don’t get me wrong, balance isn’t inherently bad, but you don’t write 100 articles by avoiding extremes.

That’s the lesson I learned while building HFE. If I wanted to produce at a consistent level, I had to give up my free time, part of my weekend, and the entertainment most people can’t live without.

I’m sure that sounds like a raw deal to some readers, but the trade-off feels amazing now.

There’s something about being in the zone hours after others have called it quits that makes you feel superhuman. It’s like you’re rebelling against the world every day by proving you still have more to give.

SUPERPOWER #2: Analytical Prowess

I was observant before I started blogging, but my analytical skills are through the roof now.

I constantly notice details in life and in media that are noteworthy, and that’s because I have to. Viewing the world this way gives me material for new posts.

It’s impossible to write 100 articles with an average of 2,000 words when your eyes are closed to your surroundings.

Sure, creativity plays a role, but it’s much easier to mold what’s in front of you. Life events, family members, and even random people on the street are telling stories. All you have to do is pay attention.

Besides the observational side of analysis though, there’s also the problem-solving component. It’s not enough to only see the world in front of you. You also have to organize that data and address the problems it presents.

That’s what I do as a writer.

I think about personal issues and other people’s problems, then I use what I know to solve them. I ask “why?” a bunch of times, determine the cause and effect, and then map out solutions in an article. And doing this so many times has made the process fun and easy.

I see solutions now that I never would’ve thought of years ago. People ask me questions in the comments now too, and I immediately know how to answer.

Making a content library showed me that every problem follows a similar pattern. And now that my eyes are open to that truth, it’s hard to not keep playing the game.

SUPERPOWER #3: Iron Confidence

I didn’t fake it till I made it. I made it till I couldn’t fake it. So now I have the confidence that stems from writing 100 articles.

These days I know which ideas will make good posts before I even outline them. And if a topic is in my wheelhouse, there’s no doubt in my ability to write an engaging piece.

Sure, that may sound cocky, but I’m not bragging, I’m telling the truth. I’ve done this enough now to know what’s good and what’s not. Most newcomers don’t have that experience.

I call this superpower “Iron Confidence” because it was forged over time. It had to be shaped by the pressure, frustration, and disappointment that were so common before.

Look, I know I’m still not the greatest writer. Most people would say I don’t get much traffic considering all that I’ve published either. But who cares? My confidence isn’t based on externals or comparisons. It’s based on my own sweat and hours.

I know what works for me now. I know what excites me, what scares me, and what brings incredible joy, so that’s what I write about. Plus, I don’t expect anyone to help me either. I wrote my drafts, edited my work, and spent hours in the library by myself, so I’m assured of my ability after years of training alone.

SUPERPOWER #4: Unflappable Composure

Don’t get too high and don’t get too low. That’s the most important lesson I’ve learned while making a library.

Views, comments, and subscriptions all fluctuate. So instead of worrying about them, I’ve learned to keep my head down and work.

I used to get so upset when articles didn’t get the views I thought they deserved or when people left nasty comments. Now I’m unfazed by that stuff.

If one post doesn’t do well, I’ll publish another soon that might do better. And if a reader hates my work that much, they’ll find something else to read.

My job is to stay steady either way.

During my time writing, I’ve persevered through hateful comments, drifting supporters, and unresponsive requestees. Plenty of people have rejected me at some point or another. Sometimes it’s because I offended them, sometimes it’s because I bored them, and other times it’s for no reason at all. I’m not mad about any of it though—at least not anymore—and that’s because I’ve learned to endure it.

I’ve seen enough of the good and bad to know that my desired outcome isn’t a given. Everyone won’t—and can’t—support me no matter what. That’s just how life goes.

I appreciate my supporters and I treat them well, but I can’t control what people do.

If readers stay interested, that’s great. If not, I’ll survive.

SUPERPOWER #5: Scrupulous Planning

Being a blogger involves more than writing articles. You have to structure them, outline them, and make them search engine-friendly.

Sometimes it looks like I sprawled my thoughts on a page, but really, every section of my articles is planned:

I start with the skeleton of a post and decide if the initial form is worth fleshing out.
I research the topic and see if it will bring readers in from Google.
I consider the major points I’ll make and how each sentence will build on those arguments.

There’s a lot more that goes into this besides writing, and I haven’t even mentioned the scheduling side of things yet.

The articles you read for the first time are posts that have been in my head for weeks. I usually have content planned out for two months to stay ahead. It just takes a while to actually finish those projects.

My planning timelines are long because they have to be to keep me on track. Weeks and months go by fast if you don’t plan and act on opportunities.

Making a content library has made me more aware of time’s fleeting nature. So now I quickly decide the who, what, when, where, and how of everything I produce.

SUPERPOWER #6: Disarming Humility

One thing you learn fast as a content creator is that it’s not about you.

Sure, you need boldness, technical skill, and determination, but those traits aren’t really for you, the creator.

Every skill you develop is ultimately used in service to others. And embracing that fact will make you more selfless and humble.

Google also demands that your words bring value to readers if you want traffic. So the best way to grow online is to care more about random people.

The creators who make excellent content are the ones who aren’t too concerned with themselves. They know writing, podcasting, and vlogging take plenty of time, but they still give it anyway. We consumers have the luxury of scrolling through their output for days because of their sacrifice. And now after publishing 100 posts of my own, I can relate.

A large chunk of my life was devoted to my writing. But I was happy to do it because I knew I’d help people in situations I was in before.

I know some readers skim my controversial posts and think I’m a stuck-up dude with hardheaded opinions, but that’s not me. Anyone who reads my responses or contacts me directly knows that isn’t me.

Yes, my opinions are bold but my character isn’t brash. I’m confident in my abilities, but to be honest, I don’t think highly of myself. I’m just a guy who eats, goes to work, and writes. That’s it. Plus I’ve felt enough pain and embarrassment in the past that I can’t brag on myself anyway.

Once people understand how I think, they lose their hostility. And having the power to change people this way is nothing short of extraordinary.

SUPERPOWER #7: Unshakable Faith

As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?” (Matt. 11:7 ESV)

My last superpower is inspired by Jesus’ words about the John the Baptist: it’s unshakable faith.

Writing for HFE has been like a post-grad theology course to me. I’ve learned more about Christianity and the Bible the last few years than I ever did before.

This extra knowledge hasn’t just helped my head though. It’s also increased my trust in God as I’ve learned more about Him.

Where I once had doubts, I now have confidence. Where I once had questions, I now have answers. I’m no longer “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (see Eph. 4:14 KJV). I’m fully convinced that Christianity is good and true.

We all know people who switch between Buddhism, Islam, and New Age philosophy each year while claiming spiritual enlightenment. Whatever’s popular, whatever sounds good, and whatever fits their current lifestyle is what they believe. But that’s not me.

I’ve read the truth, I believe it, and I’ve experienced it, so I won’t jump ship to anything else. I’ll persevere in Christ just like I’ve persevered through everything else. And this newfound conviction is my greatest superpower of all.

What’s Your Origin Story?

A tenacious work ethic, analytical prowess, iron confidence, unflappable composure, scrupulous planning, disarming humility, and unshakable faith.

Those are the superpowers I’ve gained by writing 100 articles. And I can’t wait to see what happens after writing 100 more.

But now my focus shifts to you.

You may not be a blogger, a youtuber, or another influencer, but you still have a life. You still had challenges, insecurities, and fears of your own to overcome. So what superpowers did you develop over that time?

Are they similar to mine? Or are they something entirely different?

Let me know in the comments, because I’d love to hear your origin story too.

-Drew

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